Homer Internal Files

This section describes the structure of the firmware, which is a system of files that reside inside the Homer’s internal single-board computer and control its operation and behavior. The firmware consists of an assembly of executable and auxiliary files.

On delivery, the Homer is furnished with all the necessary software components and is ready to be used. You only have to install HomSoft onto your personal computer as described in HomSoft Software Installation.

To upgrade Homer Server programs or modify other firmware components, appropriate files must be uploaded, i.e., sent to the Homer. For details, see Transferring Files.

Homer Internal Files can be classified as follows:

Server Program (.exe)

The server program (Server) is the basic Homer executable file. The program is automatically started when the Homer’s DC power supply is switched ON. The server filename is SrvHo.exe. The file can be uploaded (sent) to the Homer when a newer version is available from the manufacturer.

System Memory Files (.mem)

System memory files are binary files, containing:

  • Fixed, individual information about each particular Homer unit, including its calibrations and options;

  • Factory default settings.

Server reads these files immediately after startup. The files are not editable; they are produced by the manufacturer. New mem files should be, for instance, uploaded to the Homer after a recalibration, when adding software options, or when limiting tuning stubs travel distance is required. There are two mem files:

  • Hom.mem: Homer Analyzer memory file. It contains, among others, detectors correction data and Homer analyzer calibration constants.

  • Tun.mem: Mototuner memory file. It contains motors data and tuning stubs characterization.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Because of their individual nature, *.mem files must not be exchanged between individual Homers. If a Homer unit firmware (aka Server) detects a non-native mem file, it will raise a Homer Identity Error. Then the following happens:

Newer Server versions (V54 and more):

If a Homer Identity Error occurs, the Server announces this by playing Morse code error message IDE, followed by a standard Morse message. Server does not terminate but it switches to a reduced mode, which disables measurement or motor movements, but allows file transfers so that you are able to remedy the situation.

Older Server versions (V53 and less):

If a Homer Identity Error occurs, the Server terminates, playing first a melody (downward musical scale), then Morse code error message IDE. Following this, file transfer server SrvDld.exe is started (one long beep – Morse code for T).

System Configuration Files

System configuration (*.cfg) files are text files containing user-definable Homer Analyzer and Autotuner settings. The Server program reads the configuration files after reading the memory files, then copies these obtained configuration settings to its volatile memory. The cfg file settings, therefore, override the factory defaults and, eventually, determine the Homer power-up behavior. This is important in particular for the autonomous Autotuner operation.

The structure of the configuration files is that of Microsoft Windows *.ini files: it consists of lines of the type

Label=Value    ;Remark

where Label is the name of a variable and Value its value. It is the Value that is to be changed if needed.

The files are available to the user for editing: they can be downloaded from the Homer, modified, and then sent back (uploaded) to the Homer. In this manner, startup Homer behavior can be controlled by the user.

The upload and download can be carried out by:

  • HomSoft

  • HomTool, which is a complimentary, reduced functionality, servicing version of HomSoft.

Basic configuration files include:

  • Hom.cfg: Basic Homer Analyzer configuration file, defining measurement settings, like expected signal waveform (CW, Rectified, Pulsed), signal sampling parameters (sampling rate, sampling time, triggering method), frequency counting parameters, etc. The file is often modified by users to adapt the Homer behavior to particular tasks. For details, see Homer Analyzer Starting Parameters.

  • Tun.cfg: Basic Autotuner configuration file, defining autotuning power-up behavior. The file is often modified by users. For details, see Homer Autotuner Starting Parameters.

  • Rs232.cfg: Defines RS232 baudrate. Rarely needs to be modication.

  • Can.cfg: Defines CAN Bus baudrate. Sometimes modified by users.

  • Bbox.cfg: Activates and configures diagnostic internal data logging. The file may not be present.

How HomSoft Affects Configuration Settings

The HomSoft application runs in a remote controller, typically your PC. It has its own settings, saved in the HomSoft Ini File in User Folder.

When HomSoft starts, the first thing it does is retrieving current parameters and settings of the connected Homer unit.

If there is no HomSoft Ini File on your PC, the HomSoft application settings will match those of the connected Homer (typically, its power-up settings).

If HomSoft Ini File file exists, the HomSoft application continues by the following steps:

  • The application reads the desired Homer settings from the ini file.

  • Using commands over the communication interface, the application overwrites the existing Homer settings by these desired settings.

From now on, the Homer will operate according to the HomSoft Ini File. Now, it is up to you to adjust any individual Homer setting via HomSoft commands.

Be aware that all settings, made either by HomSoft or via commands from your own program, are written only to Homer volatile memory: they do not overwrite the Homer internal cfg files. Therefore, the settings remain valid only until the Homer is reset, e.g., by cycling its DC power. After this, the Homer returns to its power-up (starting) parameters.

If you want to return a Homer to its power-up parameters while starting HomSoft:

  • Delete or rename the HomSoft Ini File.

  • Restart the Homer, e.g., by cycling its DC power.

  • Start HomSoft.

File Transfer Utility (SrvDld.exe)

SrvDld.exe is a special program handling transfer of files to and from the Homer via RS232 as a last resort when standard SrvHo Server is corrupt. Its counterpart on the PC side is the file transfer application Dwnload.exe.